Florida judge denies private investigator’s request for a restraining order against George Zimmerman

Private Investigator Dennis Warren is seeking an injunction against George Zimmerman whom he claims has sent him threatening messages via phone calls, text messages, and e-mails. (WFTV)

A Florida judge denied a request by a private investigator for a restraining order against George Zimmerman — who drew national outrage after he was acquitted of killing Trayvon Martin.

Private investigator Dennis Warren was seeking the permanent injunction to protect himself against Zimmerman, but Seminole County Judge Jerri Collins rejected the motion on Monday.

Advertisement

Warren claims he was being stalked by Zimmerman, who's accused of sending him 185 messages — including texts, emails and voicemails — between Dec. 16 and Dec. 25.

He said he hadn't heard from Zimmerman since, but still worries for his safety.

George Zimmerman was charged with misdemeanor stalking after Warren told police about the threatening messages he had received. (Red Huber/AP)

"I'm very concerned for myself and my family in regards to the threats that I've received and the history as I've gotten to know this individual," Warren said in court. "I've gotten to know Mr. Zimmerman behind the scenes better than most anybody."

Zimmerman was charged with misdemeanor stalking of Warren on March 26. His arraignment is scheduled for May 30.

Collins wondered why Warren waited four months to file a petition if he felt he was being threatened. She then denied the protective order that's typically used in domestic violence cases.

Zimmerman — who in July 2013 was acquitted of killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin — didn't show up to Monday's hearing.

The private investigator first contacted Zimmerman in September, asking if he would be interested in participating in a documentary about Trayvon Martin, the teen he gunned down while he was serving as a neighborhood patrol on Feb. 26, 2012.

Zimmerman then began sending Warren the threatening messages, Warren said. One text said, "Anyone who f--ks with my parents will be fed to an alligator," according to a police report.